Scrutiny over Castle Hills bond intensifies

By Edmond Ortiz :
October 8, 2013
: Updated: October 10, 2013 12:26pm

If the residents who spoke at an Oct. 2 town hall against Castle Hills' $13 million proposal for road and drainage fixes are any indication, the city has a hard sell ahead of its Nov. 5 bond election.

Voter-approved bond proceeds would allow local officials to start addressing almost $48 million in total street and drainage repairs that city engineer David Givler says are needed citywide.

Givler, leading the first of three planned bond information meetings at City Hall, told a crowd of more than 50 people it would cost Castle Hills more money if such long-term improvements are further deferred.

“Roadways are deteriorating at a rate of about $2.5 million a year, over 10 times what normal maintenance should cost,” he said.

“The rate is expected to increase in construction cost and accelerated deterioration. Delaying work would add significant cost.”

Givler originally recommended doing the improvements in phases, but that idea proved controversial, as some residents said it was unfair to consider doing the bulk of repairs on one side of the city.

Council jettisoned that suggestion to instead work with committees to develop a scope of work.

“I made a recommendation and it was rejected,” Givler said. “It's my duty to work with the city committees. The feedback council got (about phased work) was negative.”

“It seems strange to want a bond approved before a plan is put forward,” George Booth said. “Why are you being hasty? Why not wait until May (elections) so you can develop a better plan?”

John Kenny said officials have done a bad job planning out the bond, especially where public input is concerned.

He expressed frustration that council passed over Givler's previous recommendation of phased work.

Kenny also questioned why officials are only now pondering potential alternative funding sources for road improvements.

Responding to Givler's remark that the city had previously provided residents with two questionnaires about road and drainage issues, Kenny said he was one of many people to have never seen such surveys.

“Mr. Givler, you didn't present a plan. I'm not going to give a blank check to council on a whim,” Kenny said. “We want a good, solid plan, and I won't vote yes until one is presented.”

“I've been in the financial planning business more than 35 years and I've never seen a more confused bond in my life,” said former Councilman Douglas Gregory.

“This is sloppy and full of guess work, and we don't know what work will be done until council tell us what it wants to spend our money on.”

Residents Frank Paul and Bill Schluter said officials must ensure all residents feel infrastructure improvements will reach their neighborhood sooner than later.

They called initiating improvements mainly in one quadrant of the city a misguided idea. Givler said starting repairs in one part of the city would be a more manageable affair.

“The whole city has to feel it's involved. I think people are willing to accept as long as they feel as if this bond would improve their area, but I think this is a big rush,” Paul added.

Given the estimated $48 million in total repairs that Givler said are required citywide, some residents voiced concern a single $13 million bond would have a negligible impact.

They asked if the city is eyeing a second or even more bond issues in the future and how such bonds could affect local taxes.

Entrekin said if voters were to approve the Nov. 5 proposal, the city could wait until 2014 to enact a property tax hike of up to 22 cents per $100 valuation and sell the bonds.

Council, in a regular meeting Tuesday after press deadline, authorized the city to apply for a matching grant to fund improvements along parts of Honeysuckle Lane, Lemonwood, Antler and Roleto drives, and West Avenue.

City Manager Rita Hoyl, in a memo to council on this matter, suggested if voters were to approve the bond, and if the city receives the grant, local officials could use bond proceeds to support the city's 20 percent match requirement.

Two more public bond meetings will be held 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and Oct. 29 at City Hall. Early voting begins Oct. 21. Visit www.cityofcastlehills.com for more information.